With more than 13,000 islands all boasting crystal-clear, warm water year round, Indonesia is one of the most idyllic surf destinations on the planet with the relatively tiny island of Bali being one of the most popular.
Since the discovery of the immaculate, yet slightly intimidating wave Uluwatu, down in Bali’s Bukit Peninsular in the 70’s, tourism in Bali blew up to bring in so much cash that it was making up two thirds of the economy just before COVID times. Then things got put on hold for a couple of years and millions of waves went unridden, but now the Island is welcoming back tourists with open arms. (Read more on arrival protocols here)
One of a thousand reasons the surf tourists head to Indonesia. Photo Chris Bond
The most famous waves that are going to be luring hardy surfers this year will be Padang Padang – a true Bali barrel machine and one of the best lefts on the planet. Keramas, a rippable right-hander that unloads onto a jagged lava reef offering a barrel, followed by a nice long wall and smashable end section. And of course Uluwatu, which picks up any swell in the Indian Ocean and offers long, winding rides full of barrels and sections, before it hits racetracks and you’ll be going warp speed through a beautiful crystal clear tube.
The author flying in Nusa Lembongan
But what if you’re a beginner? Does Bali offer anything other than jagged lava reefs, smashable end sections and warp speed tubes? Ha, yes of course it does. We’ve been running surf trips for beginners in Bali for years, but I’ll spare you the marketing jargon and let some of the crew on the current trip share their experience of being beginner surfers in Bali…
Alex, Cape Town, South Africa
“The waves in Bali are great for a beginner and I think the waves here in Canggu are a great starting point. It has been quite big the past few days but even when you get out the back you don’t have to take the massive sets, you just pay attention to what is happening out there and wait for the small ones within your comfort zone. Initially it’s great to be told when to go by the coaches, but now I have a sense of what will work. Some times you do need that reassurance, but I feel I’ve learnt a lot from my own mistakes.
“When it comes to the ‘wipeouts’ they aren’t that bad and actually worth the risk. At the end of the day it’s just water, you just have to stay calm and it will end. I wipeout every surf and have never hit the reef.”
Today we surfed 5-6ft Kedungu and I was so stoked to be out there. It has been a huge confidence booster catching these bigger waves and I feel I am raising the bar, which is great. Even if I did lose my board and have to swim in with Max, the beach itself is very special.”
Alex getting thrown in the deep end!
Alistair, New York, America –
“The waves have varied since we’ve been here and at first I felt really unfit and the paddling was seriously hard, but now my arms have caught up and I’m catching plenty of waves. For complete beginners there’s always lots of whitewater to catch, so you get the hang of popping up and just riding the wave, but the waves usually always reform so then you are going along this beautiful green wave, where you can practice turning or trying to generate your own speed. Although I did finally get out back at 6ft Kedungu today, caught a huge wave and rode it all the way into the beach for at least 100m. Not a bad morning.”
Alistair working the inside
Kelly, London, England –
“When I arrived in Bali I had one aim and that was to stand up on a surfboard. Today I’ve been surfing for only a week and this morning I was turning and didn’t fall off on any of the waves. Having low expectations is the key ha ha. The surf has been massive, which is what I imagine Bali is famous for, but the guys know where to take us where it’s smaller.
Wipeouts are a common hindrance but you almost need them to happen so you know it’s not that bad.”
Kelly getting to grips with riding green waves
So there you have it straight from the horses mouth. Yes Bali is famous for incredible waves for expert surfers, but if you’re a beginner in safe hands, you will score equally epic waves for your skill level and have one heck of a surf trip.
If you like the sound of this and fancy a taste of The Land of Milk and Honey, check out our next Indo Adventure.